Changu Narayan Temple
On the hilltop 11.5
kilometers (seven miles) east from Kathandu, the
valley's oldest temple, Changu Narayan, stands in
almost derelict splendor, its struts and
surroundings covered with hundreds of finely
detailed, delicately carved erotic depictions. It is
one of the best examples of the temples dedicated to
Vishnu. Founded around the 14th century AD, it
represents the very best in Nepali art and
architecture and is difficult to imagine a more
stunning example of what Kathmandu Valley is all
about. Woodwork, Metalwork, and stonework combine in
dazzling harmony- nowhere to more effect than in the
sculptures of Bhupatindra, the 17th century Malla
King, and his Queen.
On a terrace, upright, flat black stone bears an
image , created between the 5th and 6th centuries,
of Narayan reclining on Ananta at the bottom, and
Vishnu-with 10 heads and 10 arms -going through the
different layers of the universe. It is surrounded
by later sculptures from the 9th century. A
man-sized image of Garuda with a coiled snake around
his neck, graces the front of the main temple and
also dates back to the 5th or 6th century. One of
the oldest and most prominent Lichhavi inscriptions,
which stands beside it, records the military feats
of King Mana Deva, who ruled for 27 years from AD
464 to 491. Though fire and earthquake have often
damaged Changu Narayan and its environs, this link
with its ancient past remains. Life's rhythms there
in the cobblestone square remain unchanged, too,
with pilgrims' platforms and lodges surrounding it
and tine central temple.
Besides the spectacular views from the hilltop, the
area around Changu Narayan offers many good
opportunities to walk and explore. Along the ridge
to the east, a two hours walk takes you to the road
to Nagarkot.
Sightseen Tour Around Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the prevalent valley in the Himalayas
which has relished a virtually uninterrupted history
because of its location. The preservation of the
culture and traditions of the Nepali people are
nowhere more evident than this fertile valley. The
earliest settlements in the valley go back beyond
2,500 years, their initiation was absolutely
surrounded by the ancient myths and legends. History
of valley goes back to the kiratis, around the 7th
century BC, the foundation of Kathmandu itself dates
from 12th century AD, during the time of the Malla
dynasty. Kathmandu valley is peppered with the
stupas among which Swoyambhunath and Bouddhanath are
the central point for the tourists. The flight to
Kathmandu is one of the most vivid experiences you
can ever savor. It seems as if you are flying into
an impenetrable mountains wall until the heights
swiftly unbolt. To the east is Bhaktapur and to the
west Patan, the two ancient sister cities of
Kathmandu.
The best place to start your travels in Nepal is
certainly none other than Kathmandu. The city and
its neighbouring areas are the strongholds of Newari
culture, which has embossed its influence all over
this prolific valley. One of the best ways to enjoy
the city is to wake up with it in the morning. As
you explore the city, you will discern the radical
beliefs of the Nepali people represented by the
several shrines and temples on almost every streets.
To really glimpse the soul of the city , u got to
take a walk through the backstreets, and the
capital's timeless cultural and artistic heritages.
The most enthusiast things that could be encountered
in this perpetually celestial city are divinely boon
as well as clustered around the majestic Durbar
Square and its surrounding backstreets.
Nepal being a
landlocked country is entirely embraced by the
Himalayas between India and China. Nepal is totally
covered by the white dazzling mountains and
subtropical jungles in the northern and southern
region respectively. Beauty of Nepal lies in its
perpendicular perspectives as it contains eight
among the world's 10 highest peaks and each of them
above 8,000 meters (26,250 feet). Besides having
eight of the world's 10 highest mountains, Nepal
also boasts approximately 150 peaks above 6,000
meters (19,700 feet) of which are above 7,000 meters
(23,000 feet). 
